Is a Pug the right dog for you?
Pugs have a charming and mischievous personality. They are known for being friendly, playful, and are often described as “clowns.” They have a generally happy and loving temperament but can be stubborn when it comes to training.
The Pug dog breed is originally from China.
. The Pug has a fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century when it was introduced to Europe. They quickly captured the hearts of royal families, including notable figures like Queen Victoria and King George IV. The precise origins of the Pug remain a mystery, but it is believed to have emerged from a crossbreeding between the Chinese Hairless Dog and an unidentified Tibetan breed.
Pugs were often called the “Dutch Mastiffs”
in England due to their popularity with Dutch traders. However, pugs were also kept by Chinese aristocracy and became strongly associated with Chinese culture. In fact, pugs were considered a status symbol in China and had a place in the Chinese royal palace, where they were able to freely roam.
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed
development, the Pug has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Brussels Griffon
Coton de Tuelar
Shipperke
Growing Up Pug
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Pugs are also very sociable
but it’s essential to understand that they can be quite territorial and even aggressive when it comes to same-sex dogs. They may show signs of jealousy if they feel their owner wants to spend more time with another pet or person, so it is important for pet parents to show their pug lots of love and attention to avoid this.
Pugs are also known to be vocal dogs
but not excessively. As they tend to be a bit hyper, this can be reflected by barking. They generally make great watch dogs and aren’t afraid to express their excitement or displeasure with loud barks.
They can be a bit lazy
and don’t need huge amounts of exercise. Pugs are happy to curl up in a basket or play with their pet parents when they get the chance. They can be hyper when there is activity around the house but their general need for exercise is minimal.
Pugs can be difficult to train
They will respond best to positive reinforcement training with rewards for good behavior. Pugs are very sensitive dogs, so they will need to be trained in a calm and gentle manner that takes into account their emotional state. They are also STUBBORN and training will require patience on your part.
Pugs are brachycephalic dogs
like Boxers, Bulldogs and Frenchies. Their flat faces can make breathing difficult and all care should be taken to keep them from over-heating. Some genetic health conditions Pugs may suffer from are: Luxating Patella, Pug Dog Encephalitis and an Elongated Soft Palate.
How Fast Can a Pug Run?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) conducts dog racing trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Pug’s is almost 16 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Pug was by a dog named Chesapeake Bay’s Miss Buttercup at 21.68 mph!
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research
study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Pug ranks 24 out of 124 breeds for attention seeking behaviors. They can get very jealous when their owner gives attention to other dogs/people.
They can be hyper.
In the same research above, Pugs ranked very high in excitability. They are 28th out of 124 breeds. Basically, if the doorbell rings, a friend shows up or something is going on around the house-your Pug will be involved!
They fart – a lot
Because of their facial anatomy, Pugs take in air. In order for the air to escape-Pugs fart. They can clear a room in no time. In addition, they also make some very interesting snoring, grunting and whining sounds that are sure to get your attention!
In the Landmark Book
entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Pug ranks 57th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 40 to 80 repetitions and obey first commands 30% of the time or better. This puts them in the “fair working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
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Pug Humor!
Facts About Pugs-Final Thoughts
Pugs are truly a lot of dog in a little body. Their unique features, such as their facial wrinkles, short muzzle, and large head, give them a distinct appearance that is instantly recognizable. Pugs have a rich history, with origins dating back to Chinese emperors and Tibetan monasteries where they were revered as companions and guard dogs. Despite their small size, pugs have a big personality and bring joy to any home or small space they inhabit. Their double curl tail adds an adorable touch to their already charming personality. Whether you’re drawn to their cute face wrinkles or their endearing little dog antics, pugs are sure to make great companions for anyone lucky enough to have one as a pet.